The Health Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) state that in health education, students will acquire the health information and skills necessary to become healthy adults and learn about behaviors in which they should and should not participate. To achieve that goal, students will understand the following: students should first seek guidance in the area of health from their parents; personal behaviors can increase or reduce health risks throughout the lifespan; health is influenced by a variety of factors; students can recognize and utilize health information and products; and personal/interpersonal skills are needed to promote individual, family, and community health.

In Grade 3, students build on the knowledge and skills learned in the second grade. In addition to students learning health knowledge that can help them improve or maintain health habits, students begin to learn about body systems, growth and development, and the relationship between health and the environment. Students are also introduced to interpersonal skills that they will use to communicate and interact with friends and family.

The student is expected to:

explain ways to enhance and maintain health throughout the life span

recognize and perform behaviors that reduce health risks

know and engage in behaviors that prevent disease and speed recovery from illness

name the basic structures and functions of the human body and explains how they relate to personal health

know how to access health information

understand factors that influence individual and community health

comprehend ways in which media and technology influence individual and community health

understand how relationships can positively and negatively influence individual and community health

In Physical Education, students acquire the knowledge and skills for movement that provide the foundation for enjoyment, continued social development through physical activity, and access to a physically-active lifestyle. The student exhibits a physically-active lifestyle and understands the relationship between physical activity and health throughout the lifespan.

In Grades 3-5, students continue to develop strength, endurance, and flexibility. Students can demonstrate mature form in fundamental locomotor and manipulative skills and can often maintain that form while participating in dynamic game situations. Identifying personal fitness goals for themselves and beginning to understand how exercise affects different parts of the body is an important part of the instructional process.

In Grade 3, students begin to learn and demonstrate more mature movement forms. Students also learn age-specific skills and the health benefits of physical activity. Students begin to learn game strategies, rules, and etiquette.

The student is expected to:

demonstrate competency in fundamental movement patterns and proficiency in a few specialized movement forms

apply movement concepts and principles to the learning development of motor skills